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How to Find a Spare Car Key Maker Near Me A car key can stop working at the most inconvenient times. When you're packing groceries into the trunk, driving to work or getting ready to take your kids to soccer practice, you may find your car keys don't want to turn. To make an extra key for your car, an associate will select the correct blank key for your vehicle. Then, using a machine, they will trace the contours of the key. spare car key cost takes just some minutes. Transponder Keys Transponder keys, also known as chip keys as they are sometimes referred to, are found in many automobiles today. These keys are slightly bigger than your typical mechanical car key and have an electronic micro-chip embedded in the head of the key. When the chip is placed into the ignition, it transmits a low level signal to the ECU (engine control unit) of your car. The ECU recognizes a unique code transmitted by the chip and will only allow the car to start when the signal is received. This system prevents the possibility of theft of vehicles with stolen keys since it is impossible for anyone else to successfully utilize a duplicate key in order to start your vehicle. Bring your keys to an authorized locksmith, or an auto dealer and ask questions about it. They should be able to easily confirm that the key has a transponder chip and that it has to be programmed to your specific vehicle. If you've not seen the technology in its use, they should be able explain how it works. If you're in a bind and need to have a spare transponder key made it will cost you more than a regular car key. The additional cost is worth it when you think about how a transponder key can prevent you from having to replace a luxury vehicle or your family's trusty equipment due to theft. Many locksmiths for automotive can create a spare transponder key for you, and some offer it as a complimentary service to their customers. You'll need to provide them the year, make and MODEL of your vehicle to enable them to program the correct key. Knowing this information will accelerate the process by being more efficient than if you were to just bring in a regular car key. You can save some of the cost by having an extra transponder key prior to the time you require one, and then putting it in a different location than your home or vehicle. It is best to keep it in an easily accessible location, such as your kitchen counter or glove box. This will help you keep the item in order so that it won't get lost in your pocket. Basic Keys It's a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere safe, especially if you reside in a cold climate. A spare key will prevent you from having to call a locksmith or have your vehicle tow when you lose the original. Keeping a spare key can also save you money in the long run as most locksmiths charge an amount of money for keys that are basic. You can easily get a duplicate key made in any home improvement store if already have a standard one. Self-service kiosks are in the majority of these stores. They can create regular keys, as well as auto keys that don't require any programming. You might have to pay a little more for the auto keys, but they're still considerably less expensive than going to the dealer. A local hardware store is another excellent option to locate an extra key. It is much cheaper to get an extra key from a hardware store than a locksmith. You can find them in every city and town. They usually provide a variety of key types and other services such as locksmith assistance. Some retail and grocery stores have their own kiosks. For example, Walmart and Menard's both have these in most of their stores. The process is pretty similar to home improvement store kiosks and they can create standard and auto keys. They can even program older VATS and Transponder keys that aren't compatible with modern key fobs. You can also visit places like AutoZone and Napa. These are huge automotive chains with multiple locations across a variety of states. They are able to assist you with the type of key you need. These locations are less expensive than locksmiths and often can complete the job faster. There is a new service that will mail you a replacement key via mail if you have lost the original. It's called minuteKEY and you can learn more about it here. You can also inquire with your insurance provider or your auto warranty to determine whether they have coverage for lost or stolen key fobs. These services aren't as common as getting a spare key from one of the places mentioned in this article, however they're a great option if you want to save money and don't have to employ locksmiths. Valet keys Valet keys are a particular kind of car key designed to provide an extra level of security when giving your car to a valet or mechanic. In essence, these keys allow you to open the car and start it but won't give them access to your trunk or glove box, Family Handyman reports. They are typically found in higher-end cars such as BMWs and Audis. Some sports cars also come with them. Some valet keys have features that block the trunk and the center console of the car, as well as restricting the car from being driven for a specific distance or at too high speed. You can turn these features on by using the computer in your car before giving the key to a valet. This feature is particularly useful if you have expensive gear in the trunk of your car, such as laptops or golf clubs. This feature also prevents your vehicle from being taken for an excursion by unsavory people. If you are unsure whether your car came with a valet key, go through the owner's manual, or contact your dealer to determine. Valet keys can be an excellent way to add an additional security layer for your vehicle when you hand it to an expert. However, they can not replace having a spare key. It's recommended to keep the valet keys in a secure place, such as your wallet or purse until you're ready to use it. If you leave your valet key in your car, you could be in serious trouble should it fall into the wrong hands. Fortunately, a majority of people do not lose their car keys that they have on purpose. It could happen at any moment, so it's important to plan ahead for the event that it happens. It is also recommended to find a key maker nearby who can create an alternative key quickly and at a reasonable cost. It is also advisable to record the year the model, year and make of your vehicle and the VIN number just in case you need to report it stolen or missing. Keyless Entry Fobs The modern key fob is much more than just a tiny remote. It opens the doors of your car and tailgate, as well as the trunk. It also turns on the engine. Some have even a security alarm. Fobs provide a lot of functions in a compact package, and they are more suitable for people with physical limitations that make turning a regular key difficult. These tiny remotes work in different ways depending on the year and make. For example, some key fobs may require dealer programming or specialized computer software that is only available through a dealership to work with your vehicle. Certain key fobs are programmed through your vehicle's dashboard controls or infotainment systems. This is a lengthy procedure that requires you to navigate menus and enter security codes. Whatever type of remote you have in your car an extra remote is an excellent idea. It will allow you to get back on the road sooner in the event that yours is stolen, lost or damaged. You can also avoid additional costs at a locksmith in the event that you need a replacement key made or your key fob battery needs replacing. Fobs are available in a range of shapes, colors and finishes to match your personal style and taste. They usually include a key ring into the enclosure, so you can easily add it to your key ring. They are also available in a number of different button designs, ranging from one to five. Some are designed with a snap-together, screw-together system that makes them easy to put together and take apart. Others come with a keychain clip that can be easily attached to your purse, briefcase, or other bag. The key fob is fitted with a transmitter/radio-frequency identification (RFID), chip and antenna. This device communicates with a reader device that is attached to the locking system of your car. When you press the button on the key fob the signal is sent to the reader device. The reader device alters the frequency of the signal to coincide with the RFID tag's programed frequency.